Dr Punam Krishan spoke out about painkillers on BBC Morning Live (Image: BBC)
A BBC expert has given new advice after warnings over drugs used by millions in the UK was issued. Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) earlier this month issued an alert for anyone using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac.
Experts said those with a higher risk of kidney disease, including individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure, should be especially careful, as they can elevate blood pressure and damage blood vessels within the kidneys. Appearing on BBC Morning Live Dr Punam Krishan said it was important people on those kinds of painkiller ‘long term’ need to check in regularly with their doctor.
Dr Punam said: “So many people use painkillers. Some people might be using it for a period of time for an acute problem or be on them long term. And sometimes I think there can be bit of stigma attached to being on painkillers Now look at there’s different types of painkillers. You’ve got paracetamol, you’ve got non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. So examples of that are ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, you’ve got your opioids. So that’s codeine or tramadol morphine based medications. And then you’ve got painkillers that help with nerve pain.
“Some people might be on one, some people might be on a combination of these. Now when you look at headlines like this, it suggests that painkillers in general cause kidney damage and that’s not the case. They’re referring to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in this headline and this isn’t new. So, we know that these medications work by blocking inflammation.
“What they can do though by doing that they can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and in some people they can increase blood pressure if you’ve got pre-existing kidney issues. Now, in general, if you’re fit and well, you’ve got no other kidney problems, taking anti-inflammatory medications is absolutely fine. If you are on them long term, your GP have a handle on it. It’s why we do general reviews with people that are on repeat painkillers.”
She said people who have been prescribed the drugs should not stop taking them amid concerns – and talk to their doctor. She explained: “People can sometimes just suddenly stop taking their painkillers. And the thing is they serve a purpose. Of course, you shouldn’t take something if you don’t need it.
“But if you’re just kind of carrying on without painkillers and trying to soldier your own, actually it affects your quality of life and other aspects of your life. So, it’s just making sure that you’re checking in with your doctor if you’re regularly on them. If you are taking them over the counter and you don’t know what the root cause of the pain is, see your GP so we can investigate that.”
As part of the alert issued earlier this month, Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: “Medicines have the power to harm as well as to heal. “Although NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are effective and safe medicines, patients should be aware of their impact – particularly if a patient is at increased risk of developing kidney disease – and consider alternative medication where appropriate.
“If a patient has concerns about their usage of NSAIDs, they should speak to their pharmacist who can advise them. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and are best placed to offer advice to people who may be concerned about any potential long-term effect of some medicines and can help patients effectively manage pain.”
?????? Painkillers are in most of our cupboards but recent headlines have raised concerns.
Dr Punam offers reassurance, answers how much is too much when taking paracetamol, and shares alternatives that could help.
Watch ?????? https://t.co/wtHyyA4jkD pic.twitter.com/I1EDvO2Ybl
— BBC Morning Live (@BBCMorningLive) March 27, 2026
About 7.2 million people in the UK are living with some form of chronic kidney disease, which usually has no symptoms in the early stages. Kidney Care UK also estimates that about one million people are undiagnosed.
Those at an increased risk of developing the condition include: diabetics; people with high blood pressure; people with a family history of kidney disease; and those from black and south Asian communities.
Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, said: “Kidney disease can happen to anyone at any time, and can have a devastating impact on your life, relationships, finances as well as your physical and mental health.”
Of the 294,999 people who completed the charity’s kidney health checker between October 2024 and March 2026, almost a quarter (24%) said they regularly used over-the-counter medication for pain relief.
